Anne Fishbein Child in burger eating state of bliss at Outback Steakhouse.
6/11

Anne Fishbein Toowoomba pasta at Outback Steakhouse.
7/11

Anne Fishbein Fish and chips at Outback Steakhouse.
8/11

Anne Fishbein Ribeye steak and broccoli at Outback Steakhouse.
9/11

Anne Fishbein Employee of the month pin at Outback Steakhouse.
10/11

Anne Fishbein Picture map of Australia at Outback Steakhouse.
11/11

Outback Steakhouse: Don't Call it Australian

And yes, Outback Steakhouse is in some ways a direct result of Crocodile Dundee. It was the film’s huge popularity that inspired the four American founders to brand the restaurant, founded in Tampa in 1988, as Australian. None of those founders — Chris Sullivan, Robert Basham, Tim Gannon and Trudy Cooper — had ever been to Australia. Restaurant-industry veterans of chains like Bennigan’s, Steak & Ale and Chili’s, the quartet had one big idea: Contrary to popular belief, Americans were not looking for healthier options. Quite the opposite. They wanted steak.

And yes, Outback Steakhouse is in some ways a direct result of Crocodile Dundee. It was the film’s huge popularity that inspired the four American founders to brand the restaurant, founded in Tampa in 1988, as Australian. None of those founders — Chris Sullivan, Robert Basham, Tim Gannon and Trudy Cooper — had ever been to Australia. Restaurant-industry veterans of chains like Bennigan’s, Steak & Ale and Chili’s, the quartet had one big idea: Contrary to popular belief, Americans were not looking for healthier options. Quite the opposite. They wanted steak.